Hotel booking sites face probe over concerns they could mislead
The UK competition watchdog has launched an investigation into hotel booking websites amid concerns they could be misleading customers.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was concerned about the clarity, accuracy and presentation of information on sites.
It will examine areas such as search result rankings, "pressure selling", hidden charges, and discount claims.
If it finds sites are false or misleading and breaking consumer law, the CMA could take enforcement action.
The CMA has written to companies across the whole sector asking for information about their practices and is also calling on customers and hotels to share their experiences.
The watchdog will examine practices such as how hotels are ranked after a customer has made a search - and whether this is influenced by a commission paid by the hotel.
It will also look at "pressure selling", and whether claims about how many people are looking at the same room, how many rooms are left, and how long a price is available, may create a false impression or rush customers into making a decision.
